Let us answer this question and some other FAQs about change in PMP exam.

FAQ On Change In PMP Exam

Why is there a change in PMP Exam?

As per PMI, Project Management profession and role of the Project Manager has evolved over the last few years. As the profession continues to evolve further, the Role & Responsibilities of Project Manager keep on changing. In order to stay relevant, the new PMP exam would reflect the current practices of the Project Management Profession.The Role of a Project Manager is described by the RDS.

What is RDS?

RDS is an acronym for Role Delineation Study. It is a research done by PMI for each of its certifications. It is carried out every 3-5 years.

PMI says “A recently completed Role Delineation Study (RDS) provided an updated description of the project management professional role. The study included a large-scale survey of global Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification holders to validate updates to domains, tasks, knowledge, and skills. The RDS captures perspectives of project management practitioners from all industries, work settings, and regions. It serves as the foundation for the PMP exam and ensures its validity and relevance.”

What is the utility of RDS for PMP exam?

For PMP certification, RDS

1. Examines the Project Manager’s Role & Responsibilities

2. Determines the key competency areas

– Domains of Practice

– Tasks performed by a Project Manager

– Knowledge & Skills required by a Project Manager

The RDS is validated by Project Management Practitioners and Subject Matter Experts from various different Countries/Industries. The research results are compiled in the Exam Content Outline. The previous RDS happened in the year 2011. Subsequently, Exam Content Outline was revised. The current Outline is based on RDS 2011.

What is the PMP Exam Content Outline?

Exam Content Outline is the blueprint for the exam. The exam questions are tied to the Domains, Tasks and Knowledge & Skills described in the RDS. You can refer to the updated Exam Content Outline on PMI’s Website.

What is the change in Exam Content Outline?

There is no change in the number of Domains (5). However, the breakdown of the percentage of questions from each Domain is going to change. The weight of Executing will increase by 1%, while that of Closing will decrease by 1%. Executing will now have a coverage of 31% instead of 30%, while Closing will now have a coverage of 7% instead of 8%. New tasks have also been added.

Which new tasks have been added to the Exam Content Outline?

A total of 8 new tasks has been added to the 4 of the 5 domains.
– 3 tasks have been added to Initiating

– 1 task has been added to Planning

– 2 Tasks have been added to Executing

– 2 Tasks have been added to Monitoring & Controlling

There are minor changes to some the other tasks. The modified tasks have the same essence as the previous tasks, but there are some minor changes to the terminology & the language. Some other tasks have been removed from the Exam Content Outline.

You will find many different suggestions and recommendations for this question. Many people will suggest that Exam Content Outline changes are minor. They will suggest that you should prepare well before taking the Exam. It is better to delay the Exam. To be fair to these people, the Exam did not change much after the last Exam Content Outline update in the year 2011.

However, as per PMI, you can expect to see about 25% of the Exam Content that focuses on new topics that were not tested earlier. In addition, a very high percentage of questions will be revised and updated.

So, in order to avoid any surprises, it is better to take Exam before it changes.

When will I get the result if I take the test after the change in PMP Exam?

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Praveen Malik, PMP

​Praveen Malik ​is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) with a rich 23+ years of experience. He is a leading Project Management Instructor, Coach and ​Advisor. He ​has successfully trained thousands of aspirants for the PM certification exams.

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Hi, I am Praveen.

Welcome to my eponymous blog!

I am a Project Management Instructor, Coach & Advisor. I have successfully trained thousands of aspirants for the PM certification exams.

Stay with me on this blog and I will happy to walk with you in your certification journey.